Automakers have also had a terrible year: The number of cars manufactured in Britain fell 4.6% over the previous year in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales of new cars, which have also been affected by confusion over diesel regulations, declined 11.2% in November.

"An eighth month of decline in the new car market is a major concern, with falling business and consumer confidence exacerbated by ongoing anti-diesel messages from government," the industry group said.

The unemployment rate remains very low, but even the labor market is showing signs of wear and tear. Some 65,000 retail jobs have been lost since the Brexit referendum, for example.